minority influence

social pressure exerted on the majority of a group by a smaller faction of the group. Studies suggest that minorities who argue consistently prompt the group to reconsider even long-held or previously unquestioned assumptions and procedures. Majority influence tends to be direct and results in conformity, but minority influence is indirect and instigates innovation and conversion, as the members of the majority struggle to validate their judgments.

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Psychology term of the day

December 20th 2024

duplex theory

the theory that vision depends on the activity of two types of receptors: the retinal rods, which are active in dim light; and the retinal cones, which are active in brighter light. Also called duplicity theory.